<title>Design and development of a conformal load-bearing smart skin antenna: overview of the AFRL Smart Skin Structures Technology Demonstration (S<formula>^{<roman>3</roman>}</formula>TD)</title>

Four element textile array antenna on three dimensional orthogonal woven composites

“…Recently, a new rectangular patch antenna on three dimensional (3D) orthogonal woven composites [4] is investigated for conformal load-bearing antenna structures (CLAS). CLAS is a new smart skin technology, which have been developed for years [5]. The difference between the conventional antenna and the new antenna is that the patch, substrate, and ground plane of the new antenna are woven together in the manufacturing process, so it could overcome the shortcomings of conventional microstrip, such as delamination.…”

Efficient co-design of composite smart structures (antennas and mechanical structures) using a novel hybrid optimization technique

“…In the recent years, the need for improved structural efficiency and mechanical/electrical performance for the antennas, especially for aircraft applications, has led to their embedding of the functions and components in load-bearing structural surfaces for aircraft applications [1][2][3]. The use of a composite roof structure in military vehicles with multiple antennas ensures high electrical performance in a light-weight and durable self-contained structure [4].…”

Effect of Wire Space and Weaving Pattern on Performance of Microstrip Antennas Integrated in the Three Dimensional Orthogonal Woven Composites

“…way to realize smart structures is to embed the active element into the structures like the wings and airframes to enhance the structure efficiency [4]. Significant advances have been made in embedding antennas in load-bearing structures since 1990s; these advances are crucial to enhance system and structural efficiency for spacecraft design that eliminates chassis, cables, connectors and folds the electronics into the walls of the spacecraft [1,5].…”